Despite a major funding cut, the Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund spent more money last year, investing $6.6 million in the production and development of 74 TV projects, all with strong interactive elements, according to its recently released annual report.

The fund put $6.1 million into the production of 48 shows, and $460,000 toward developing another 26. Last year, the fund lost 40% of its funding from Bell ExpressVu because of regulatory changes.

‘That was the bad news,’ said chairman Paul Hoffert in a statement. ‘The good news was that our community of clients and stakeholders rallied to try to reverse the damage to their fledgling industry.’

A variety of shows got cheques, ranging from CTV’s forthcoming Instant Star to the Canada/France coproduction feature Nouvelle France. Produced by Toronto’s Epitome Pictures, Instant Star follows a teen girl who becomes a celebrity through a Canadian Idol-style contest, forcing her to give up her normal life. Its website has been developed by Snap Media and lets viewers compete in online singing contests.

The theatrical feature Nouvelle France will eventually air on CBC and TQS, and sets a love story against the historical backdrop of the struggle for New France between the French and English from 1758 to 1761. Developed by Montreal’s Melenny Productions, the companion website allows visitors to learn more about New France through tours of sets and from characters in the film.

Another fund recipient is the teen series renegadepress.com, now in its second season on APTN and others. The show’s site includes e-zines, online contests and a newly added viewer webcam where teens can dish, rant, comment or complain about life.

Other shows backed by the fund include The Comedy Network’s Odd Job Jack, Belle et Bum on Tele-Quebec and Regenesis for The Movie Network and Movie Central.

The Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund has invested $25 million in the production of 224 new media projects since its inception in 1997. The fund was designed to recognize Canadian television broadcasts that have a digital media component. This can include websites, interactive television and wireless applications.

-www.ipf.ca